What is the story about?
Toxic: A Fairytale For Grown-Ups was one of the most anticipated pan-India films of 2026. All eyes were on the psychological thriller’s box office performance.
The trailer raised expectations higher with breathtaking cinematography and the crackling chemistry between the actors. However, the initial reviews changed the film’s course at the box office. Despite having a Rs 100 crore-plus opening collection, Toxic underperformed throughout its theatrical run after meeting with underwhelming reviews. Kiara Advani, who played Nadia, received appreciation for her performance.
Kiara Advani reacts to Toxic's failure
On Koffee With Karan season 9, Kiara addressed the shockingly underwhelming response to Toxic. When host Karan Johar asked her reaction to receiving appreciation for her performance while the film was criticised, Advani said, “On day one, it is heartbreaking. Especially for this film because, as a team, I don’t think any one of us saw it coming. When it misfired despite opening to what it did, it was heartbreaking for me. I was very low about it the first weekend. There was a lot of appreciation for the fact that I had gone outside of my comfort zone. For my journey, this would be defining.”
Toxic cast
Toxic was headlined by Yash, who played the role of Raya and Rumi/Ticket. Kiara Advani was Nadia, the mother of Rumi. Nayanthara featured as Ganga, Raya’s sister. Rukmini Vasanth was an arms dealer, Mellisa. Huma Qureshi played Elizabeth, whereas Tara Sutaria was Rebecca. Akshay Oberoi was seen as Tony; Sudev Nair played Karmadi.
Toxic box office collection
Toxic was released on a non-holiday. On August 26, it opened to a collection of Rs. 101.10 crore net in India and over Rs. 140 crore worldwide. Reportedly, the film was mounted on a budget of approximately Rs 500 crore. Its worldwide lifetime collection was reportedly between Rs 320 and Rs 340 crore.
About Toxic
The film followed the story of Raya, a gangster, who is getting married to a business partner’s daughter. However, he falls in love with a circassienne. On the night of his wedding, his bride-to-be is shot dead. On the other hand, his ladylove is pregnant with their child. Raya is convinced to believe that she was behind the death of his sister Ganga. He abandons her. The circassienne commits suicide and leaves behind their son, Rumi/Ticket, who grows up to be a violent personality. He seeks revenge from his father, who is married to an arms dealer and has a child with her. Rumi/Ticket causes trouble in Raya’s life before the big reveal.
